Local News
‘Inadequate Labour Holding Back Tobago Agriculture’
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said he is considering offering incentives to the private sector as the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) intends to ramp up large-scale production on the island.
Swaratsingh Urges Landlords To Register Before May 30 Deadline
The Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh, is encouraging landlords across Trinidad and Tobago to complete the recently rolled out online Landlord Business Surcharge registration within the stipulated time frame.
Higher Oil Prices A Double-Edged Sword, Says Expert
Subsidy costs and national energy security are under the microscope as energy experts Anthony Paul and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan warn that the escalating war in the Middle East—specifically last weekend’s military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran—has placed T&T in a precarious economic position.
Central Block Boosts Touchstone’s LNG Growth Outlook
Touchstone Exploration has established a ‘new pillar’ of LNG-linked growth after integrating its Central Block into its producing reserves base, chief executive officer and president Paul Baay has said.
CBTT Considers Pulling Five-Cent Coin
The Central Bank of T&T (CBTT) has addressed speculation regarding the future of the five-cent coin, clarifying that while the denomination’s days may be numbered, no official decision has been made to pull it from circulation just yet.
T&T, India Converting Cultural Links Into Commercial Possibilities
As the global economic map is being redrawn, for the first time in generations the compass is pointing decisively toward New Delhi, Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon, the first president of the T&T-India Business Federation (TTIBF), observed, describing India’s evolution from a cultural touchstone into what he called “a US$4.6 trillion juggernaut.”
Seabridge Crisis Exposed
Long before her doors officially open at 7:30 am, Marsha Peters (not her real name) is already standing in the centre aisle of her small minimart in Carnbee. Staring at a half-empty shelf that once held pantry staples now serves only as a visual reminder of a broken supply chain.
Picked For US Summit During Meeting With State Secretary
United States President Donald Trump has invited Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar to a leaders summit in Florida, USA, on March 7. The Prime Minister disclosed this to the media yesterday following her oneon- one meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in St Kitts and Nevis.
PM Confirms Attendance At Caricom Summit In St Kitts
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed that she will travel to Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis, on Monday evening to attend the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caribbean Community (Caricom)—marking her first face-to-face engagement with regional leaders since assuming office for a second term.
Regional News
Manufacturers Urge Faster Policy Action As Major Factories Exit
The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) on Monday called for more urgent policy measures to boost competitiveness after the recent departures of major industrial players, including the Arawak Cement Plant and Berger Paints, while insisting that domestic manufacturing remains resilient.
Govt To Introduce Strong Anti-Monopoly Legislation
The Bermuda government has announced plans to introduce strong anti monopoly and competition legislation aimed at safeguarding fair competition and preventing harmful market concentration.
Prudent Budgeting Fuelling Development While Keeping Debt Low
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, recently stated that the government has maintained a balanced approach when it comes to ensuring that the nation’s ambitious development agenda is financially sustainable.
Berger Paints’ Barbados Plant Closure Reignites Trade Rules Debate
Berger Paints Barbados’ decision to close its factory has triggered renewed concern about the future of manufacturing on the island and whether the Caribbean’s regional trade framework is working as intended.
Holness Announces Formal Establishment Of Ministry Of Defence
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced the formal establishment of a Ministry of Defence to boost Jamaica’s disaster response and ensure the Jamaica Defence Force ( JDF) has “stronger coordination at the highest level”.
Barbados Unveils Bds$3.9 Billion Budget
The Barbados government on Tuesday laid its 2026–2027 budget in Parliament, outlining projected revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year and revised fiscal estimates for 2025–2026 ahead of debate on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, set to begin on March 2.
Public-Private Partnerships Seen As Critical To Sustaining Guyana’s Economic Growth
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly being viewed as a central pillar in Guyana’s economic transformation, with government and private sector leaders pointing to collaboration as essential for sustaining growth and expanding opportunities across multiple industries.
ExxonMobil Eyes Approval For Second Offshore Gas Project As Guyana Expands Energy Ambitions
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is preparing to seek environmental approval for a second offshore natural gas project, a move that could significantly broaden Guyana’s energy sector and lay the groundwork for major industrial development, particularly in Berbice.
Small States Can Meet Highest Standards
The St Lucia government yesterday said it had reaffirmed the country’s full compliance with the European Union (EU) tax good-governance standards, underscoring a reform process that has strengthened transparency, modernised the tax framework, and reinforced St Lucia’s standing as a responsible and cooperative international financial jurisdiction.
International News
Drone Strikes Damage Amazon Data Centers In The UAE and Bahrain
Amazon.com Inc.’s cloud unit warned of prolonged disruptions to its services after revealing that drone strikes damaged three of its data centers in the Middle East in recent days.
Sportswear Brand On Sees Possible Boost From Lower US Tariff Rate
On Holding sees lower U.S. tariff rates after the Supreme Court struck down the government’s emergency levies as a possible boost for the fast-growing Swiss sportswear brand, CEO Martin Hoffmann said on Tuesday as it delivered strong quarterly results.
Target Reports Another Quarter Of Declining Sales
Target reported another quarter of declining sales and profits as the retailer struggles to regain its footing with its customers contending with higher prices almost everywhere.
Gold Dips As Stronger Dollar Offsets Middle East Risk Premium
Gold fell after a four-day rally, as traders weighed the escalating war in the Middle East against the prospect of a stronger dollar and elevated inflation.
Stocks And Bonds Sink As Oil Surge Rattles Traders
Stocks fell and bonds deepened losses as the war in Iran entered its fourth day with no sign of de-escalation, heightening fears of a lengthy disruption to energy markets and a surge in inflation.
China’s Baidu Revenue Falls 4% As AI Cloud Growth Fails To Offset Ad Weakness
China’s largest search engine operator Baidu reported 4% revenue drop for its December quarter on Thursday, as the hit from persistent weakness in its mainstay advertising business, which was cushioned by strong growth in its cloud business.
Nvidia Investors Give Lukewarm Reaction To Upbeat Forecast
Nvidia Corp. (NVDA), the dominant maker of artificial intelligence processors, failed to impress investors with its latest sales forecast, signaling that concerns about an overheated AI economy will continue to dog the company.
Gold Steadies As Traders Eye US Tariffs And Iran Nuclear Talks
Gold (GC=F) steadied, as traders weighed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the impact of US tariffs on global trade. Bullion traded near $5,180 an ounce, having gained nearly 6% over the last six sessions, as a buildup of US troops in the Middle East kept global markets on edge.
Stocks Stall As Nvidia Fails To Stoke AI Trade
A rally in stocks is stalling after Nvidia Corp.’s earnings beat failed to ignite further gains in technology shares and investors took big bets off the table as high-stakes nuclear talks between US and Iran got underway.
Reports
Economic Outlook- FEB2026
The global economy is expected to remain resilient, with the IMF projecting global GDP growth at 3.3%. Expansion is expected to be supported by technology-related investment and easing financial conditions. Disinflation is ongoing across many economies, though progress towards central bank targets remain uneven. Trade and investment may also show modest improvements, if policy uncertainty declines. However, downside risks remain, with a potential re-escalation of tariffs pressures, rising geopolitical tensions —particularly as U.S.–Iran relations worsen, increasing the likelihood of energy-market and shipping disruptions—and weaker-than-expected productivity posing threats to the outlook. Nonetheless, some upside potential remains if conditions stabilize. We will continue to monitor global developments and adjust as conditions evolve.
Earnings Update – FEB 2026
February earnings were mixed, though results were broadly resilient across listed companies. Conglomerates and trading companies posted generally solid results, with Massy Holdings (MASSY) starting its financial year with higher revenue and profit, supported by strength across its diversified portfolios. A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings (ASBH) also delivered revenue growth, largely driven by contributions from recent acquisitions. Agostini Limited (AGL), on the other hand, reported modest revenue growth alongside slightly lower profitability due to pressures in the Trinidad and Tobago market.
US Rate Watch JAN 2026
On Jan 28, 2026, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3.50% – 3.75%. This decision was in line with expectations and was supported by steady growth, signs of stabilization in the unemployment rate, and persistent inflation.
Local Equity Report Jan2026
Domestically, real GDP grew by 3.1% in Q2 2025, following a 7.6% contraction in Q1, as higher energy production partially offset sluggish non energy sector activity. Inflation remained low, 0.5% in November, but was up from 0.4% in October. Private sector credit growth slowed to 6.3% year-on-year in October, and consumer lending moderated to 8.0%. Labour market conditions improved, with unemployment falling to 3.8% in June 2025.
November 2025-Economic Outlook
November 2025-Earnings Update
Economic Outlook – OCT2025
Global GDP growth has improved relative to earlier forecasts, reflecting the gradual easing of trade tensions and resilience.
Earnings Update – OCT2025
During October, Guardian Holdings Limited boasted of a 114% lift in after tax profit, owing to the gain on sale of its stake in Thoma Exploitatie B.V. Excluding this, however, underlying profit grew by 7%, or 43 million thanks to a 34% rise in insurance service results.
US Rate Watch OCT 2025
On October 29, 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate to 3.75% – 4.00 % from 4.00% – 4.25%. This decision was supported by a moderation in economic activity, a softer labor market, and elevated inflation.